Cynopotamus atratoensis

27. September 2011

Cynopotamus atratoensis Cynopotamus atratoensis

It is a very rare occasion that predatory tetras of the genus Cynopotamus are imported, due to their sensibilty against stress and transportation. So we are extremely happy and prous that we have been able to manage an importation of not less than eight specimens from Venezuela. The fish have a size of 18-22 cm and are very healthy.

Cynopotamus atratoensis attains a total length of about 35 cm. Together with C. essequibenis, C. magdalenae, and C. venezuelae it belongs to a group of externally very similar fish that can be distinguished only on the basis of scale counts, finray counts etc.. Especially C. atartoensis and C. venezuelae can hardly be distinguished. However, C. venezuelae has slightly less rays in the anal fin, so our specimens probably belong to the species C. atratoensis.

Cynopotamus are predatory tetras that feed on other, small fish. Against conspecifics they are – at least in our fishhouse – peaceful. Hardness and pH of the water are of little importance, but it seems that the fish prefer slightly higher temperatures than usual: 26-28°C.

For our customers: the fish have code 251346 on our stocklist. Please note the we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Cynopotamus: from ancient Greek, means “river dog”. atratoensis: after the type locality, the Rio Atrato in Colombia. essequibensis: after the type locality, the Essequibo river in Guyana. magdalenae: after the type locality: the Rio Magdalena in Colombia. venezuelae: after the type locality, Venezuela.

Siggestion of a common name: Doublespot Riverdog

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft Venezuela
Verfügbare Größe in cm 15-20